[jrollaneres25]

Okay, so recently I've really taken a strong interest in story writing. I want to get some constructive feedback.

Don't take it easy on me. I want your honest opinion.
And if at all possible please grade with a number grade ( I give this chapter a 67 or 78... etc)


Thanks for your feedback and comments!

[jrollaneres25]

Waiting To Inhale: Chapter 1


So here I was, in a situation that I didn't know how
to get out of. I mean, how did I allow myself to be here?
I am sooo wasted and now I can't take back what I said!!

Hey, my name is Dante and I will be a Freshman In College.
Let me catch you up on all that has happened up to this awkward
and crucial point in my life.

Me: Eric, stop playin boy and gimme da controller! You lost!
Eric: Naw Greg cheated! He can't just keep jump-kickin me like that!
Greg: How you gon tell me how to play? If you don't know how to block den that's yo fault dumb dumb!

Eric is my baby brother and Greg is my older brother. I also have an older sister name Trishina. She's the eldest out of all of the siblings. My moms only had 4 of us.

Me: Wateva! I'm tired of playing Mortal Combat anyways!

Just as I was saying that I gotta text from.....Lamonte......

Lamonte: Sup wit it?
Me: Nothin jus chillen
Me: Playin the Playstation with my bros.
Lamonte: So you gon teach me how to play tennis or what?
Me: haha! You being farreal! Okay when? Now?
Lamonte: Yea.
Me: Okay you wanna meet me at the tennis courts at the High School?
Lamonte: Bet

Lamonte is a guy that I just graduated High School with.
He was one of the most popular dudes at our School.
Star Quarterback and played basketball.
He's 6'2 195 and is solid as a rock.
I've only seen him once with his shirt off and his body was on point.
His skin tone is compared to Usher's and he had a face that you could stare at and get caught.
Chiseled looks and a square jaw.
His lips were just plump and he had thick eyebrows.
He always kept waves flowing in his hair and was well groomed.

I am 5'10 174 and got a lil body on me I'd have to admit.
I'm lighter-skinned than Lamonte, but not too much.
I was the star tennis player at my school.
In fact, I was the only black person on the team, as I am from a small town in Texas.
I was #1 on the team for 2 years and enjoyed a lot of success in Singles and Doubles.

But Tennis isn't the most popular sport and I got called a bunch of names plenty times by guys who played Football and basketball.
Fruitcake, homo, gay, and just a whole bunch of crap.
So I didn't have a lot of respect for any of the guys in either sport.
And I truly hated going to the classes I had with them.

I've known Lamonte since my freshman year, but we didn't have a class together till our senior year. English 4
When I realized that I'd have a whole year to be in a class with Lamonte I got soo nervous. I'd been crushing on him FOREVER!

The whole year I was quiet in that class, and that class ALONE!
I didn't want to embarrass myself or get caught looking at him.
There were a couple of moments when I'd glare across the room to look at him and we met eyes, but I'd play it off and look somewhere else and then shuffle through my backpack, pretending to look for something.
I didn't know I'd ever talk to Lamonte, let alone become friends with him until something interesting happened a month before we graduated from high school.

He was the star of the Basketball team and they made it all the way to the State finals. And at the same time I had made it all the way to State in Singles and Doubles. It was a Wednesday and that weekend both he and I would be going out of town to compete in our respective sports. That day the teacher randomly assigned us to partner up with one other person on an English writing assignment. My partner was Lamonte.

Teacher: "Dante Harmon and Lamonte Houston,"

My reaction was subtle on the outside, but almost uncontainable on the inside. Really? I thought. I hope he doesn't figure me out!

Lamonte: Hey I'm here, where are you?

Oh shoot! I got lost in my thoughts trying to tell you this story! I gotta go! I'll tell you the rest later. Chow!

[le bon vivant]

OK number one, its "Ciao" not "Chow" Mortal Kombat, with a K. You have to try to find that place of masculinity deep within you to write this kind of scenario.

You need to introduce us to what Dante looks like first. You describe Lamonte before you even describe the protagonist. That was jarring.

Work more on setting the scene. This small town on Texas, whats the weather like? Is this a narrative, or just a script? It reads like a script.

[jrollaneres25]

It's more like a script I guess... And yeah I do need to proof read it, but I guess I'll wait and let everyone else make those corrections for me. Thank you for your critique

[jrollaneres25]

Chapter 2

ME: No! Bro! You move your body forward if you wanna get control!
Lamonte: Like this?
Me: Haha! That looked strange!
Lamonte: Man I Quit!
Me: No! No! Okay it didn't look bad. Listen every beginner goes through the awkward stage of learning how to play tennis.
If you really wanna learn, then you gotta learn these basics
Lamonte: I do, but damn dis hard as a mug! I can't Remember everything at the same time!!

We Both Laughed.

Me: Trust me, some things will start to become automatic. I mean, you're a super athlete so it will be quicker for you to pick it up than most.


Teaching tennis is something I usually don't find pleasure in, but with Lamonte it's totally different.
I actually want him to get really good!
And this is something that could bring us closer as friends.

Friends? Only Friends you say? Yes! Only friends!
Yo he's totally straight!
And as for me, I'm really trying to suppress these feelings that I have for dudes.
It's not a thing that people in my neck of the woods are accepting of, especially my family.

I remember when I first became officially attracted to a dude...sexually. It was in the 8th Grade and it was Algebra 1.
And guess what, HE WAS WHITE!
I don't know why or how, but that's how it happened.
It was something about how he talked to me, his looks and his smile. That's it. More on that later.

Lamonte: Hey I really appreciate you teaching me how to play. Kianna wants to learn how to play too. Could you start teaching Both of us?

I rolled my eyes.
Kianna is Lamonte's girlfriend of 3 years.
Wait! did I just roll my eyes in front of him! Oh Man...

Lamonte: Dude, my bad I didn't mean--
Me: Oh no it's not that, it's just I don't think I'm a good teacher.
And you know how girls are bro, they'll tell you straight! lol
Lamonte: I gotcha! Maybe she can just come watch and--
Me: Naw it's coo. I'll teach her. Maybe I can teach her on separate days or something...
Lamonte: Sounds good to me. Only if you don't try to put your hands on her bro cuz she's mine ya feel me?

I gave him a strange look. Then we Both Laughed.

Lamonte: Naw farreal thou Dante. She already told me she think you cute dawg. So I can't take no chances.

He laughed again. It was kinda awkward though as I just smiled and looked down.

Me: Naw I'd never do you like that bro. I know ya'll been together since Jesus was a boy! But yea it's coo wit me if that's coo with you
Lamonte: Bet. I'll tell her. And uh, thanks again! I'll text you when I'm ready for round 2
ME: Aight

We dapped and pulled in for a slight hug.
Damn his arm is ripped! I felt his chest and quickly pulled away from the hug. I didn't wanna get a rise.
He wore a basketball shirt that had no sleeves and his short went a little passed his knees. And he had on basketball shoes

Me: Oh yea btw, we gon have to work on ur clothes bruh. This ain't basketball!
Lamonte: Yeah...right. Lata Dante.

I picked up my phone and had 4 text msgs and 2 missed calls.
2 from Eric 1 from my ex-girlfriend Necee and 1 from a really good friend of mine....Taruy.
I also had a missed call from him to. So I called him back.

Taruy: Dante what u doing?
Me: Oh I was just playing tennis. Headed home now. (I started the Engine)
Taruy: Oh. Hey I need to talk to you about Jarian.
Me: Jarian? Okay what happened?
Taruy: I told Pastor Damien About you two......

WTH!

[jrollaneres25]

Waiting to Inhale: Chapter 3




Taruy is the first person and the ONLY person I have opened up to and told about me being attracted to dudes.
It was a bad move.
You see, I slowly, but surely figured out that Taruy likes me.
We go to the same church, in the same youth group, and sing in the same Youth Choir.
We've known each other for like 8 years.
So when he called me up one night and told me that not only did he know that about me, but he could help me get delivered from it, it was a relief!


My 2 brothers that are like, GUYS and my 3 Uncles are all College grads on Football scholarships. So there's no "punks" in our family.
So I've kept a hard exterior all my life, but I've always known that I am a nice, sensitive person.
So when Taruy called me and said he'd help me it was the breath of fresh air I had been "waiting to inhale" all my life up to this point.
But as the days went by and our conversations veered away from me being helped, I took notice that this guy just lied to me.
But I didn't care. I was just relieved that I finally had someone to share my personal thoughts with.

ME: You did What?
Taruy: I'm sorry, but now that I'm the "Youth Director" I have to tell Pastor Damien everything.
Me: What did you say? (As my voice begin to rise)
Taruy: I--I told him what you told me....
Me: TARUY! OMG! I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU!
Taruy: Dante I--I'm Sor--
Me: Hey I gotta go.
Taruy: But I--[CLICK]

I can't believe he just did that!
You see, Jarian is one of the younger youth in the youth group.
15yrs old. 5'8 and about 160. He's a football player on the Highschool's JV squad. Well, he will be when school starts.
Jarian is a fine dude. Farreal.
He's one of the exceptions to being a teenager, but looking grown already. Had more facial hair than I did and was more developed physically than me, especially dat ass.
The thing about him and I kinda happened suddenly.
We would be in bible study or at youth fellowships, and he would flirt with me big time.
At first I didn't know how to respond to it and thought he was just being flirtatious by nature, but it grew and grew.
We would wrestle alot and we would always find a way to touch each other without it being to notiecable.

One time we had to go sing at this church, so we all got on the Church van.
We went to the place, sang, and then it was time for our Youth leaders to take us all home.
I sat all the way in the back of the van, and Jarian moved his way back there as well, playing it off with his camera.

Jarian: Hey ya'll I got Pictures!
All: I don't wanna see em! Ooo let Me see! So!

At first I was in the back with Deitra, Jarian, and Princeton.
The got dropped off first and then it was just us.
Now Jarian, this dude was a sneaky one. He initiated everything we did.
He was the flirt.
He was also the first dude I had ever had something like this with.
As we sat in the back and music was playing while the others where conversing, Jarian whispered to me...

Jarian: so what's up?
Me: What u mean?

Jarian put his hand on my thigh and then moved it closer to my d***k.
I got an instant rise.

Me: Say what u--
Jarian: Shut up!
Me: I don't know about this...
Jarian: What, I'm just wanna feel on it

He moved his hand closer and then he grabbed my d***k.

Jarian: Damn you big

I looked around nervously. I got anxious and was sure that we would get caught. There were 2 other youth sitting right in front of us.
But they were totally oblivious to what was going on and in their own little world.
Jarian noticed that I gave in to the temptation and then he begin to pull my d***k out my pants

Me: Jarian waa--
Jarian: Dayum nigga!

I was really on edge and everything was moving too fast..out of my control!
Jarian moved his head towards my d***k and wrapped his lips on the head.
I quicky pulled him up.

Me: Yo, not here. no--not here.

Jarian pulled up and was content. Whew! That was a close one.
This dude is Wild!
If I'm not careful this dude is gonna get me in trouble!

And little did I know, things were about to blow up in my face...

[jrollaneres25]

Waiting to Inhale: Chapter 4




So I get home enraged.
I can't believe I even trusted Taruy!
I mean, he's told me so many sex stories of him and other dudes that I would never tell anyone about!

Eric: Say lemme borrow $10...
Me: For What!? (I shouted)
Eric: You okay? What's wrong
Me: Oh not a--nothing. What you need 10 for?
Eric: I wanna go to the Movies with Latoya. Stab 11 just came out
Me: Really? Why ya'll like those movies anyway?
Eric: cuz they scary and funny at the same time!
Me: Yea wateva

I pulled out my wallet and gave him a $20

Me: And you betta bring me my change back Eric. I mean it this time!
Eric: okay! Chill bro!

I cannot believe I've gotten myself in this situation.
Now I gotta deal with Pastor Damien and I don't even wanna look at Taruy.
What a fake! And to think I trusted him!

I walked into the kitchen to get something to drink and saw my mom cooking dinner.

Me: Hey Mom!
Mom: Hey baby.

I stood behind her and kissed her on the cheek

Mom: Uh-Uh! Go over there and get you a glass of water. That Raspberry Lemonade is for dinner!

Me: Okay Mother..(I said in a monotone voice) It sure smells good!
Mom: Get outta here boy!

I went and sat down in the living room and flipped through the channels as I drank my water.
How dare he do that to me! OOOOhhhh.....I know why! Taruy is Jealous.
You see, when I opened up to him about 6 months ago, we began to share everything.
He would tell me about several encounters that he had with various guys at our school. Good looking guys too!
I didn't doubt if it had happened because something told me that part of what he's telling me is true, but I couldn't help but wonder why these dudes would want to mess with Taruy.

You see, Taruy had a weight problem. He was about 5'11 and 386lbs.
He's a cute guy, but way over weight. And call me shallow, but I'm not attracted to overweight people.
I'm attracted to dudes who got in going on with their bodies.
But Taruy would go on and on about how he'd pull these guys who were not only cute, but had bodies that I admired and wanted mines to be like.
I was skinny, but I had a frame.
And Taruy would say it doesn't matter what size you are, it's all just flesh. And as long as I can get to that nipple, it's over.
Yuk!
I would tell him that I'm just not attracted to big people, and will never be.
So when I started telling him that I think Jarian likes me, he would snarl up and get be extra.
He would be mean to him at gatherings and fellowships and just downright rude.
So when I told him what happened at my baby brother's Surprise Birthday party, that must have tipped him overboard.

You see, we threw a surprise birthday party for my baby brother at Jarian's house, well his parents.
His dad was a Deacon at our church, and he was an intimidating man.
He stood at 6'7 and around 270.
Had a deep voice that would shake your insides.
But he was a genlte giant and loved to sing.
So we all arrive and surprise my brother.
And there was cake and ice cream and hot dogs.
Everyone scattered and played various games and socialized. I did the same. But I loved listening to music wherever I was. I was known as the "music guru". I knew about all the upcoming Gospel artist and always had the latest on cd.

Me:Yo let's go listen to some music and dance!

I said to some of the other youth as they were for it and followed me into one of the bedrooms.
Taruy could not come because he had to work.
He is 20 and a very mature person. And that's why he became the youth director over the Youth Group.

Deitra: Hey I Like this song! Who is this singing?
Me: Oh this is Mali Music! You've never heard of him?
Deitra: Nu-uh! Make me a cd! Do he got anymore songz?
Me: Yup. I'll make you one and bring it to church tomorrow k?
Deitra: Thanks Dan! (Pronounced "Don". That was her nickname for me)
Me: You know I got you!

We listened to music and danced for like an hour and then Deitra shouted.

Deitra: Hey! Let's Play Stab!

Everyone: Yea! Yeah!

You see, Stab was a game created from that dumb movie I saw and use to watch.
But now it's just idiotic.
Same plot.
Same black people dying at the beginning of the move.
I'm over it.
But the game was fun because I was always the Killer and I loved to act and do improv.

It was about 9pm at night and it was dark....Perfect!

Me: Ya'll betta hurry up and get outta here before I get into Character!

Everyone screams and leaves.
I don't know why, but I really enjoyed playing this dumb game.
So I waited a couple of minutes and then crept outside.
First person I was was Deitra and she started screaming and running. so I ran after her making monster sounds.
She ran to everyone else's hiding spots and exposed them and then it became a free for all! I started stabbing people with my imaginary knife and some got away limping. I thought it be a neat idea to hold some of them captive in my chamber, while the bold ones would try to get them out.

Jarian was being way to easy to capture, and I captured him.
The imaginary chamber was on the side of the house. It was almost pitch black there. I quickly took him over there and tied him up and chased the others off threatening to put them in the chamber.

I came back and it was just me and him.
Where's everyone at? Are they really scared? I peered around the corner just to make sure no one was trying to sneak up and get him out.
No one was there.
As I turned back around to look at Jarian, his lips met mine.
Damn he had some soft ass lips and they were juicy as hell.
I started kissing him back. Are tongues met and I felt my hands automatically go to that juicy ass of his. I grabbed both cheeks and my d***k just start throbbing.
He was starting to unbuckle my pants when....

Deitra: There they are!!!!!

OMG was I caught???

Me: Ughmm--

Everyone: Aagghhh! he's coming!! Run Deitra!!
Deitra: Aaaagggh!
Me: Arrrrggghh!!

Whew! Another close one!
We continued the game and finally it was time to leave.
When I got home I called Taruy and told him what happened.

Me: We were playing the game and I had him in the corner, and then he reached up to kiss me...
Taruy: And what did you do?
Me: I didn't do anything! I was just in shock!
Taruy: So.....
Me: So as that happened Deitra ran around the house and saw me, but didn't see what was going on. So no one knew.
Taruy: See I knew I didn't like him! He's such a horny w***e!
Me: But we didn't do anything Taruy!
Taruy: Dante....
Me: Yes??
Taruy: Can't I tell you something??
Me:.......
Taruy: And I'm just gonna be honest with you....
Me: Okay.... What is it?
Taruy: I wanna have sex with you. Just one time. That's all. I just want us to have sex.

I was startled

Me: Taruy...I'm sorry but I just don't see you like that. I mean, you're like a brother to me and that would never happen between us.
Taruy:.......
Me: I'm sorry, but this is between me and you okay. Don't tell anyone what happened between Jarian and I..Promise!?
Taruy: [Voice shaking] Hey I gotta go, and I won't. Bye. [CLICK]

[le bon vivant]

Slow down the pace a little bit. Dont make every chapter a cliffhanger, extend out some of the dialogue so we can see what their personalities are like.

[jrollaneres25]

Waiting to Inhale: Chapter 5



As I sat on the couch and pondered, my phone started ringing.
I looked down and it was Taruy.
I pushed ignore.
He called again.
Ignored again.
He called again.
This time I let it ring and just turned the TV Up.
I was watching reruns of The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air anyways so I could easily tune him out.
I was watching the episode of when Will Smith and Jasmine Guy hooked up by clownin on each other with Yo Mamma jokes.
I started laughing out Loud!
My phone rang again and this time I didn't even look and just answered.

Me: Ugh! What do you want!?
Lamonte: Woah, my bad did I catch you at a bad time bruh

I was sooo embarrassed.

Me: Lamonte! Hey I'm really sorry man, I didn--
Lamonte: Naw it's cool. I was just wondering would tomorrow be a good day for you to continue teaching me tennis? But if Not--
Me: Oh no tomorrow is fine bro. What time?
Lamonte: 6pm okay?
Me: That's cool. I was gonna go to church, but I think I'mma skip out this time.
Lamonte: Say, i don't wanna take you away from God or anything.
Me: Naw it's cool. It's just Bible study. I can call them later and ask them what they went over. no Biggie. Oh and uh, make sure you dress in better shorts bro. haha!
Lamonte: Aight bet. See you tomorrow Dante. Oh yea, text Kianna and ask her when she wanna learn. Her number is 555-34--
Me: Why don't you just have her text me?
Lamonte: True true. Aight. I'll let her know man. Again, thanks. I gotta make this up to you somehow.
Me: Naw you don't it's cool. I'll holla at cha lata Lamonte.
Lamonte: Peace

I'm really liking this guy. He is nothing like I thought he'd be.
How did we instantly become friends? Well it happened a couple of months ago.
Our English teacher partnered us together for an English Project.
We had to have a dialogue created between partners and present it in Front of the Class.
Everyone had different categories. Suspenseful. Horror. Comedy.
Guess what we drew. Romanticism.
Are you kidding me??? I'm already crushing hard over this guy, and now I'm put in this awkward position to create a Romantic scene/dialogue between us to.
Thank God that our categories were assigned to us as partners and not announced in front of the whole Class!
We had to exchange numbers and come up with creative dialogue about a Modern Version of Romeo and Juliet.

We exchanged numbers and all I wanted to do was call him and/or text him!
But I didn't want to come off desperate so I decided against being the first one to text or call.
That night he texted me around 10:30pm.

Lamonte: Wassup wit it Dante.
Me: Who is this?

I tried to act like I didn't know who it was, but I clearly did because I saved him in my phone as "future"

Lamonte: Dis Lamonte. English 4 Class?
Me: Oh yea wassup bro. You ready to do dis?
Lamonte: Not really. I wanted comedy. We gotta do Romance. How we gon do that?
Me: Shoot I dunno. Wait, maybe I can be the jealous dude on the side between you and Juliet.
Lamonte: How about I be da jealous dude.
Me: It's watever. Whatever you want I'm cool with.

Dain! I hope that came out right. I didn't wanna come off as him having the last say because he was clearly more popular than I am.

Lamonte: As long as you're cool with it I am.
Me: Alright it's a done deal. I'll start working on my dialogue and you start working on yours.
Lamonte: Okay
Me: And them we can practice over the phone or something.
Lamonte: Or I can come over.

Wow, I kinda was thrown off by that.

Me: Naw you don't wanna come over here bro. It's waay to crowded. Could I come over there?
Lamonte: Sure. Are you free tomorrow night?

Man his voice was so deep and it just made me wanna tell him how sexy he was!

Me: Naw I have church, but I can come over on Thursday.
Lamonte: Bet.
Me: Aight I'll see you then.
Lamonte: Night bro (as he was yawning)
Me: Aight night and nice meeting you officially Mr. Popular.
Lamonte: Oh you noticed haha aight see ya tomorrow.
Me: [Click]

Wow, my first official conversation with my "future".
I "waited" a moment, then I "inhaled" a deep breath, then I let it out very slowly.
This will be interesting, I thought.
I gotta stay cool. I Really like him, but he's straight so I'd rather have him as a friend that nothing at all. Besides, I'm sure he's been around those guys on the team that have called me those rude names.

Has Lamonte ever done that? I hope not. Cuz if he has, that would make me not like him no matter how fine he is.

Thursday Comes around and it's about time to go to his house to work on the assignment.

I had a notebook dedicated specifically to this assignment ALONE. sometimes I'd catch myself doodling about Lamonte in my notebook.
His big brown eyes. His thick and perfectly shaped eyebrows.
His killer physique. And his smile.

I rang the Doorbell

Mrs. Houston: Hello?
Me: I'm here to Meet Lamonte, we have a project for Engli--
Lamonte: Momz I got it! Was Good Dante!
Me: Hey! Nice to meet you Mrs. Houston
Mrs. Houston:......
Lamonte: Mom it's okay! Go mother! Hey Dante come on.

He signaled me to follow him in the house.
As I walked in I was amazed. This house was beautiful! 2-story and big enough to get lost in.

I wonder why his mother was acting so strange with me?

Lamonte: Say my room is this way bro!
Me: Oh My bad I was just admiring this beauti---I mean yo house is nice bro.
Lamonte: Haha thanks! Let's go man I can't wait to show you what I got!

I followed him to his room. I couldn't help but to think that this is uncharted territory I NEVER thought I'd find myself in.
We went upstairs and his room was far in a corner in a section of the house that was secluded.

Me: How'd you manage to get a room all over here by yourself?
Lamonte: Cause my parents don't trust my younger sister over here. haha. Plus the game room is in the next room and I'm the only one that uses it, other than my dad when he's in town.
Me: Wow, I'm super jealous.
Lamonte: Super?

Dain I am such a geek sometimes!

Me: Sorry I meant dat ain't even fair dawg.
Lamonte: (laughing) You don't even sound right trying to talk like that bruh.
Me: I just hate the fact that since I sound proper and use diction whilst speaking that it makes me..."different"
Lamonte: And that's cool Dante. Why is that such a bad thing? I like that about you. And you cool bro. It let's me know that you aren't retarded.

We start laughing.

Me: Well that's good.

Wow I was really blown away on how different Lamonte was compared to the other guys he hang around.

Me: No disrespect bro but, what was up with you momz?
Lamonte: Aww, don't worry bout her bruh she like that with all new people.
She acted like that towards Kianna for 3 months before she warmed up to her. She's just over-protective. She's like that with my sister too.
Me: oh Okay my bad for asking.
Lamonte: Naw it's cool. So...are you gonna sit down or what?

I didn't even notice that I had been standing up in his room in the doorway the whole time while he was sitting on his bed ready to show me what he had.

Lamonte: Sit!
Me: Where bro? Ain't no chairs in here.
Lamonte: Right here on the bed Bruh, what you scared of?
Me: Nothing just being polite that's all.

He started laughing hard at me.
I felt so embarrassed. So I just walked over and sat down.

He shared with me what he had.
It was actually really good!
So I pulled out my folder and was about to show him when I felt the urge to use the restroom.

Me: Say, where's the restroom at?
Lamonte: Oh, it's right at the bottom of the stairs.
Me: Aight. Hey, go ahead and look through my notebook. My dialogue should be in there somewhere. I'll be back

I handed him my notebook and I darted down the stairs.
I needed to pee really bad!
As I stood over the toilet I thought wow, this is so cool that I'm becoming friends with Lamonte.
All year long I've been crushing over this dude, and suddenly we become partners and have to engage in Dialogue....OMG!!!!!
I'm Such An Idiot!!! I FORGOT THAT I WAS DOODLING IN MY NOTEBOOK ABOUT HIM!!!!!

[jrollaneres25]

Waiting to Inhale: Chapter 6





Mom: Dinner is Ready!

Finally! I am soo hungry! I was about to just go and get some Mexican food at one of my favorite restaurants called Rosas Cafe.
But I forgot that I had gave Eric the last of my monies.
He better bring me my change back too!

---------

The next day came and I woke up to my phone ringing..

Phone: "You must not know bout me, you must not know bout me. I can find another you in a min-

Me: Wassup Necee.
Necee: Did you get my text yesterday?

Oh man I Forgot!!
Necee is my ex and she's probably the sweetest person you'll ever meet
But don't get her twisted, she has a mean streak to her and she can hold a grudge longer than....I can't even find a comparison!

I had broke up with her less than a year ago.
Around September of last year after the first six weeks of my Senior Year in High School is when it all happened.
We had a great relationship and she was the first girl I dated with the intentions of being married while living the Saved life.
We met in the Youth Group and I was attracted to her more from how she carried herself and her anointing.
She was a radical teenager on fire for God.

And at the time I was as well. I had gotten filled with the Holy Spirit for the first time in my life...at the same time she did.
It was such an awesome experience that I'll never forget and know that it has changed my life forever.

But things began to change as I began to have an increase of interest in the guys at my school, well really Lamonte.
It was soo distracting in our relationship that I couldn't do it anymore.
I couldn't treat her like this.
She deserved better.
So one night, I called our relationship the quits and totally took the blame for it.
It hurt really bad! And I know it hurt her even worse.
She wanted an explanation, but I couldn't tell her.
I wouldn't tell her!
I still wanted to be with her in the "future"!
So I thought that this would just run it's course and I'll regain my attraction and un-waivering desire for her.
So far, my attraction to guys have grown so much that it rivals my attraction to women almost down to it being obsolete.
It's still there though. I refuse to let it go.

Necee: Hello?
Me: Oh I'm sorry I got lost in thoughts. Naw I didn't get a text. Why wassup?
Necee: I was trying to see if I could ride with you to bible study tonight..
Me: Oh yea..about that. I'm not going tonight.
Necee: Why not?
Me: Well I have a tennis lesson that I'm giving a friend tonight. I was gonna just catch up on what was being studied afterwards.
Necee: Oh.....

Silence.

Me: Yea...sooo uhhh... Are you gonna try to go?
Necee: Yea, I'll just ride with my parents.
Me: Oh okay Cool. So how you been?
Necee: Pretty good.

Silence.

Me:...uh..you looked really nice at church on Sunday.
I'm so glad that I graduated! Did you see America's Funniest Home Videos? Last night? So Funny!!
Necee: .......
Me: Hello?
Necee: I'm here
Me: Did you see it?
Necee: Naw I didn't

Silence again.
This was a reoccurring thing towards the end of our relationship.
It was one of the other nagging reasons why I grew out of Love to just like with Necee.
She can be such a boring person to talk to on the phone!

Me: Okay, well let me get up, I gotta go ......[mumbling], and uh[yawn] with my moms cus she always tryna get me to do stuff with her[stretching noises] aarrghhyyyaa! Hello?
Necee: I'm here.

Silence

Me: Well okay, I'll talk to you later okay?
Necee: Alrighty then.
Me: Bye
Necee: [CLICK]

Whew! I'm glad that's over with. I just don't like talking to her sometimes.
I hope that's not a guy thing.

So I get up to see what time it was. It was 8:36am! Dain!
Waay to early for me to be waking up in the Summer!
So I climbed back in the bed and went back to sleep.

---------


Ring! Ring!

I opened one eye and looked at the clock on my wall. 12:36pm
I looked at my phone. Unknown caller.
Me: Hello?
Kianna: Hey Dante! This is Kianna!
Me: Oh hey what's up?
Kianna: Sounds like you just woke up. You sounding like my boyfriend when he wakes up.

She giggled.

Meyawning] Oh I do huh? haha. So you wanna learn how to play tennis?
Kianna: I actually already know how.
Me: [yawning] Reeeaaly? Aaagh! Really? How good are you?
Kianna: I'm pretty good. My dad made me take tennis lessons throughout junior high and High school. I just didn't play because I didn't want it to get in the way of Cheerleading.
Me: Oh okay.

Wow, this may be fun playing with her.
I love to play against people who ACTUALLY know how to play because I'm so competitive.

Kianna: I'm rusty though, that's why I want to start hitting again. And with you teaching Lamonte, that'll be good for us because I hate basketball!
Me: haha okay. So when do you want to hit?
Kianna: Is around 6pm okay?
Me: Sure! Where do you wanna meet up?
Kianna: We can go to the High School
Me: Aight I'll see you up there!
Kianna: Save my number!
Me: Got it! [CLICK]

I got up and threw some clothes on.
Ugh it's so hot in this house!
I checked the thermostat and it was on 80!
Annoying!
I turned it down to 75.
Went in the kitchen and warmed me up some left-overs from lastnight.

I started thinking about Taruy and this whole Situation with Me and Jarian.
This really sux. I don't even want to deal with this right now.

I heard my phone ringing all the way in my room so I ran to get it.
It was Taruy.

Me: Hey
Taruy: You still mad at me?
Me: Yup
Taruy: I'm trying to do what's right Dante
Me: Bull
Taruy: What? YES I AM! I'm the Youth Director and I gotta be truthful about everything that is going on in the youth group.
Me: So why don't you tell Pastor Damien that you want to have sex with me?
Taruy: What!? That--is between me and you! And besides, I'm over it now. It ain't even worth mentioning because it's a non-factor.
Me: Whatever Taruy. Have it your way.
Taruy: Look I'm trying to do the right thing Dante.
Me: Okay cool. I respect that. Is that all?
Taruy: Well---yes....
Me: Okay I'll talk to you later aig--
Taruy: Oh yea, Pastor wants to talk to you today with Jarian.
Me: Huh? When?
Taruy: At 2pm.

I looked at the clock. 1:44pm

Me: What? That's now!
Taruy: I know I forgot to tell you.
Me: Ugh! Alright I'm on my way [CLICK]

What a....ugh!

So I rush up to the Church and See Pastor Damien waiting for me...Outside!

[jrollaneres25]

Waiting to Inhale: Chapter 7




Me: Pastor--
Pastor Damien: Dante come here real quick.

I stepped out of the car after I parked it.

Me: Listen--
Pastor Damien: Son, I know what you're going through. And if you need to talk to someone, you can talk to me.
Me:.....
Pastor Damien: Now I have Jarian in there sitting down thinking about what ya'll did to each other, and how he can prevent that from happen--
Me: Wait We!? What you mean We?
Pastor Damien: Taruy told me everything that happened.
Me: What you mean everything?
Pastor: He told me you two were kissing behind the bushes and some other things, but listen to me son. This is between me and you. I know what you're going through because I went through it.

Wow....Pastor Damien "was" attracted to dudes? I never thought I'd hear him say that! Not in a million years!
I stood there and listened. He had my full, undivided attention.

Pastor: I know it's not easy, but you've gotta tough it out. Your a man of God. And I know that you can make it through this. So if you need to talk to someone about this you can talk to me.
Me: Okay Pastor.
Pastor: Now come inside. I want to talk to the BOTH of you about this and settle this right.

As I followed him inside the church I couldn't help but to think how Pastor had ever been in a situation to where he was attracted to a dude.
I also was anxious about seeing Jarian, as ultimately this was all my fault. I should have kept my mouth shut and told no one. But I needed to have someone I could talk to about this....
We walked in Pastor's study and there he was. Just as fine and sexy as ever.
Why does he have to look like that?
Them thick thighs and thick eyebrows. Big brown eyes.
Omg! I'm never liking a dude again! Look at all the trouble I'm in!
Gosh his skin is so smooth looking and look how he sittn over there on his phone. Just se--

Pastor: Dante!
Me: Yes! (I yelped. How embarrassing)
Pastor: Son I been calling your name what's wrong with you?
Me: Sorry Pastor I've got alot on my mind....
Pastor: I see. And it's fine. We are gonna deal with this.

I noticed Jarian has yet to pick up his head. He was still shuffling through his phone like he didn't want to be here.

Pastor: Jarian, put your phone up son.
Jarian: Yes sir.

He put his phone in his lap, still looking at it.

Pastor: Now, Taruy told me what happened between you two.

Jarian shuffled around and his face turned down.
He was pissed.

Pastor: Now I want you two to know that it's okay, but this is not tolerated.
Jarian: Pastor it's cool. That's the past. I gotta girlfriend now.
Pastor: I know, I know. But I have to say this. I want you two to read Galatians Chapter 5 and write a 2-page paper on how you will make this applicable to your life from now on okay?

Jarian and I: Yes sir.
Pastor: And Jarian, since your dad is a Deacon I'm gonna have to tell your dad.

My eyes widened and out of fear I looked straight at Pastor.
Jarian started to raise the volume of his voice but still tried to sound calm and in control

Jarian: Naw Pastor you ain't Gotta do all that. I told you everything is cool. That's the Past! I gotta a girlfriend now. I'm cool Pastor!

Pastor shifted his attention to me.

Me: Pastor, I don't think you really have to to all that. We understand and we will do better.
Jarian: Yea Pastor it's cool. Can we go now?
Pastor: Alright I'm trusting you guys that this won't be a problem anymore. Now you guys apologize to each other and promise each other that you will be brothers In Christ.

We did what we was told and Jarian did not look happy with me when we met eyes.
I felt so terrible.

Me: By Pastor and Thanks for caring! Love you Pastor!

I hopped in the car. Whew that was intense!
There was still something that told me this was not over.
And why did Pastor say that Taruy told him all of that!?
That is not what I told Taruy!
Ugh! I can't wait to talk to him!
But I will cause I need to calm down and really digest everything that just happened. I wanna start making smarter decisions from now on.

I pulled in the driveway at my house and looked at my phone.
It was 4:24pm
I had a text from Lamonte at 3:12pm

Lamonte: Hey Dante, did you forget?
Me: [4:24pm] Forget what bro?
Lamonte: That we were gonna continue tennis lessons today at 6pm today
Me: Naw, why would I forget?

I still couldn't believe that me and this guy were texting each other. Wait a minute, Focus Dante! I'm trying to live right this time!

Lamonte: Well Kianna told me that you two were "hitting" or something like that today.

Oh Shoot! Ugh! I'm such a retardo!
I decided against texting any further and just called him.
It rang 4 times and went to voicemail.

"Say I know you trying to reach me, but I'm busy right now. I'll call you back when I get a chance aight? In the mean time hit me up witta message"
Lady: To leave a voicemail, press #1 or just wait for the tone.

Man his voice sounded sooo sexy and deep.
BEEP!

Me: Oh umm.. naw I was just tryna call u my bad if you busy. [Click]

I'm such a dork. I don't even know how to leave proper voicemail.
I hung up. And just as I was about to text him back, I gotta text from him.

Lamonte: Sorry homie. I'm gettn my haircut. But it's cool, I gotta go chill with my cousins tonight for their birthday. I forgot. Hey can you teach me tomorrow?
Me: I'm sorry bro farreal. Sure tomorrow is good. When?

I waited for a response. waited. Then I decided to get out of the car.
I went into the house. Relief. Aaahhh it felt so good in here. It's so hot outside!
I went in the kitchen and grabbed a glass of water.
Eric: Hey D.
Me: Where's my change?
Eric: Oh yea about that...
Me: No ain't no about that gimme my change Eric!

My phone went off. Eric was saying something but I totally tuned him out

Lamonte: How about in the morning? Say 10am?
Me: That's cool. It's supposed to rain tomorrow anyways
Me: Yea wateva I better have my money b4 the sun goes down Eric.
Eric Okay Okay! I'mma tell mom you tryna act all gangsta.

I ignored him.
I went to take a shower b4 I got ready to play tennis with Kianna.
While I was in the shower I could only think about one person. Lamonte.

I started thinking about how I got to go into his house and room....

FLASHBACK

I can't believe I forgot!
I hurried up and finished using the RR and rushed up stairs.
As I got closer to his room I could hear him laughing.
He heard me coming

Lamonte: Hey Dante!

My stomach was turning cartwheels. I went into his room--

Lamonte: Yo this is straight up hilarious!
Me: What is?
Lamonte: (He paused) Your dialogue?? This is some good stuff.
Me: Oh haha! What part?

I felt a bit relieved as I walked over to my notebook to see what he was talking about.

Lamonte: I like this part where you added that we had a duel over her. But you gotta change this part bro.
Me: What part?
Lamonte: Me winning. Defeating Romeo and taking Juliet from you.

I relaxed more.

Me: Why? I thought that would be a great twist don't you think?
Lamonte: I don't know. I mean, What would Mrs. Byrd say? I think she'd want us to stick to the actual storyline.
Me: Oh it's wateva bro.

I notice in very small print on the bottom left corner of that page that I'd begin doodling again! Damn! It said, "Lamonte got it goin on"

Me: So I'll just change this part( I said as I grabbed for my notebook)

He pushed my arm out the way.

Lamonte: Wait I ain't finished reading it bro! Here, read mines and tell me what you think. I think.

He handed me his. It was already turned to the page he wanted me to read.


[KNOCK-KNOCK!!]

Me: WHO IS IT!!
Person: (inaudible)

My music was blasting. I like to have my music up while I'm taking a shower.

Me: Who?

The song was fading out, and I heard--

Taruy: It's TARUY!!

[jrollaneres25]

Waiting to Inhale: Chapter 8





What? What is he doing here!!??

Me: What do you want!?
Taruy: Hey I'm going up to the church. You wanna come with me?
Me: No I'm not going tonight.
Taruy: Why not?
Me: Cause I have Other Plans
Taruy: Alright I'll call You later
Me: Okay

I really was upset with Taruy, but I still loved him as my brother and I just wanted to get everything off of my chest.
I'll just call him later on tonight so all can hit the fan. I don't like stress.

So I get out the Shower and it was 5:30.
I get dressed and head up to the Tennis Courts.
There were 8 tennis Courts and all of them were taken!
I thought, wow, everyone must come around this time because it's not as hot and it's cooling off.
I look at my watch. 5:59pm.
I flipped through my contacts to call Kianna.
Before I could push CALL I felt a tap on my shoulder

Kianna: Who you callin? Lamonte......
Me: [I paused] Oh no actually I was calling you.
Kianna: [She laughed] He told me that you double-scheduled us!!

I joined in with her in laughter

Me: Yea I don't know how I did that!
Kianna: I see, so did you tell him?
Me: Well, he text me and then he told me that he had to go to his cousins house for a birthday party of something like that.
Kianna: HE WHAT!?

I felt uncomfortable. Was I not suppose to tell her that?

Me: Well, -u-rghm..that's what he text me. Why what's wrong?
Kiannalooking off in space] omg...HE'S SUCH A LIAR!!!

She started Shuffling through her phone.
I felt very uneasy. What did I do? How did I get in the middle of this?
She walked off and I could barely make out what she was saying.

Kianna: Where? And where is that at? Is...[inaudible]...yea and that is....[inaudible]...Dante said...[inaudible] Watever! Bye!

She walked back towards me.

Me: Is everything ok?
Kianna: Yup[she said sternly] Everything is fine now c'mon!

She grabbed my arm.

Kianna: Let's go! There's a court open right there!

I looked and sure enough there was to white High Schoolers guys walking off the court.
Wow what is really going on!?
Is Lamonte Cheating on her??

Me: Hey Kianna we don't have to play if yo--
Kianna: Oh don't be silly Dante. That's why I'm here. I wanna play.

So we get on the court and warmed up our strokes. Wow she can really strike the ball well!
I hadn't hit since last week so I was kinda rusty. But I found my momentum during the warm-up
When I'm on the tennis court, my mind goes full on about tennis.
My Focusing skills are impeccable. I get tunnel vision and that's all that matters. Performance.

We played a match and it was sooo intense!
She's a great mover. Something tells me that she's taking her anger out on that tennis ball.
She was grunting ferociously! It reminded me a lot of Serena Williams.

After the match was over, I was beat.
We went 3 sets and she won 7-5 in the 3rd. I let her.
I don't know what was going on, but I didn't want her to feel like a loser walking off the court and then having to deal with Lamonte for whatever reason.

Me: Wow Good match!
Kianna: Yea, thanks for letting me win in the end.
Me: Wha--
Kianna: As you can tell by now, I'm a tennis player so I know when someone is letting up. But it's cool. You are a gentleman and I like that.

She reached up and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek.
That kinda threw me off, especially knowing how long her and Lamonte were together.

Me: Oh okay..well if you wanna look at it like that then yea.

We starting laughing and she hit a couple of balls at me with her racket.

Me: So are you okay?
Kianna: YES boy! Stop asking me that. Well I gotta go. This is my mom calling me now. Next time?
Me: Sure! I gotta get my revenge!

She answered the phone and walked towards her car.
There were people waiting to get on my court. Two black dudes.
They looked familiar....is that...Kardar? Yes it is!
That's one of the guys that would make fun of me! He was on the football team with Lamonte! I also had him in Spanish 4
Kardar stood at about 6'1 190 and he was muscular.
Ligh-skinned. A little lighter than me. And he had hazel eyes.
The other guy was on the basketball team, but I never met him.
He was about 6'3 and looked around 200. Muscular too.
They looked like they didn't belong on the tennis court.
I tried to ignore them by getting on my phone.
Dang! No text msgs or Calls!
I just pretended to text when I heard him say...

Kardar: Supongo que no eres un maricón, después de todo...
The Other Guy: Nigga what u say?
Kardar: I'm talking to Dis dude right here that was all up on Kianna
The Other Guy: my nig, was u speaking Chinese?
Kardar: Spanish you dummy!

I just kept walking and hoped that he would just stop talking to me.

Kardar: Say, Dante!

I turned to face him

Kardar: You don't think I saw that?
Me: Saw What?
Kardar: Don't play with me gayface. I saw you flirtn with Monty's girl.
Me: Naw it wasn't nothing like dat bro. We was just playin tennis.
Kardar: Didn't look like that to me.

I just kept walking. I didn't have to take this!

Kardar: Oh So I'm right huh? That's why you still walking huh?
Me: Like Mary Mary [I said still walking away from him]
Kardar: Yo sé acerca de usted y Jarian.....

I Stopped.
What!? What did he say? But...how?

Kardar: Ven aquí nigga poco
Me: ¿Por qué? ¿Qué quieres Kardar?

He signaled me to come, away from The other guy.
I took a deep sigh, and then I followed.
He talked to me with a small voice.

Kardar: I'm not gon say nuthin about you and Jarian if you promise to stay away from Kianna.

Me: But We didn't do nothing I promise. What are you talking about with me and Jarian?

Kardar: Nigga don't play me I know. Don't make me go into detail on what I know dummy. You just stay away from Kianna you hear me?
MeI just looked him in the eye with a "b***h please" look on my face)
Kardar: Nigga get outta here!

He pushed me hard! I stumbled and almost fell to the ground.

Me: What was that for Kardar? [I yelled]
Kardar: Por ser un homo!

He laughed and the other guy laughed with him.
The Other Guy: Kardar you wrong bro.
Kardar: Naw James you don't even know! You don't even know!!

They start laughing again. This time louder and harder. How embarrassing!
There was nothing but white people at the tennis courts and I noticed that they were all staring.
So I just walked off. I wasn't about to get into a fight. I HATE FIGHTING!
It never results into anything but both parties involved getting hurt or worse.

I hopped in my car, and felt defeated and confused.
What the hell is going on?
Did Kardar really know about Jarian and I?
OMG!!! He Has to know!!!! He's dating Jarian's older sister!!!
This is not good.

I started my engine and pulled out of the parking lot. B4 I got on the street headed home, I sent Lamonte a text:

Me: Say bro, Kianna is a good tennis player. It went well, but I ran into your homeboy Kardar. Dude is rude as hell man. Farreal.

I start driving home and I turned up some music.
Kierra Sheard, "Teach Me" was playing. I love this song!
It began to minister to me. I thought to myself, wow Lord I need to really get my life back on track. I need You Lord. This is getting Tough

My phone went off. It was a text msg! Lamonte?
I picked it up as I was pulling in my driveway to see who it was from.
Ugh! it was Taruy.

Taruy: I'm sorry Dante.... []
Me: For????
Taruy: Did you get a call?
Me: A Call from whom?

My phone rang. It was Taruy. I answered.

Me: What's up?
Taruy: Okay, I just got a call from Deacon Brown. And He is pissed!

Oh no! Deacon Bruce Brown is Jarian's dad. Something tells me it's about me and Jarian.
I started getting anxious

Me: Wow, what he say?
Taruy: Well apparently Pastor Damien called him and told him everything! But I ain't got time for all this! I'm on my way to Dallas!
Me: What are you going to Dallas for?
Taruy: a road trip. So I just told him that it didn't have nothing to do with me. I can't believe Pastor Damien did that. You are in a heap of trouble. Well, bye! [CLICK]

Wow, What is going on!!????

[jrollaneres25]

Waiting to Inhale: Chapter 9





I sit in the car to just collect my thoughts.
I don't want this to get waaay too out of control.
I mean, what if my brothers find out?
What if my mom finds out?
What id Necee finds out!?
WHAT IF LAMONTE FINDS OUT!!!??

I need to figure out a way to do damage control.
Okay, just stay calm and don't look to anxious.
I got this! I can handle this!

I stepped out of the car and was met by Eric.

Eric: Here you impatient nag!

He held out $12 dollars and some change

Me: Thanks bro. And I love you okay?
Eric: Oh so you're being nice now? What is it? You and Necee back together?
Me: Naw, it's just I know I've kinda been antsy around you lately so just want to clear the air...that's all.
Eric: Oh...so you gotta new girlfriend now. That's it!
Me: Boi!--
Eric: Naw I'm playing. I love you to bro

Eric and I have always had a really good relationship.
It's like we get each other and we admire each other at the same time.
I love to sing, write music, and be creative with visual arts.
He loves all of that too, but his gift is in Miming.
And he has an infectious personality. Everyone loves to be around him.
When he enters the room everyone gravitates to him.
His smile. His goofiness. How he jokes around. I love him.

I've also noticed that him and Taruy have gotten a lot closer too.
I'm not sure that I like that a whole lot, but I trust my brother to let me know anything...especially if Taruy tries to come on to him.

Eric: I thought you were going out of town with Taruy...
Me: Me? Naaw...I didn't even know that he was going.
Eric: Oh really? So you didn't know that CFC(Created For Christ) was having an event this weekend? That's why they went.
Me: They?
Eric: Yup. Taruy, Landon, Ricana.

Ricana is my close cousin. Her dad is my uncle.
Landon is My brother Eric's best friend.

Me: Oh, so why didn't you go with them?
Eric: Because I didn't want to--

My phone went off. It was a text from Lamonte

Me: oh okay. Where's mom?
Eric: I don't know. She's been gone all day. I called her twice and left a msg. Maybe she's working OT or something. Anyways I'm bout to go.
Me: Where?
Eric: To my dads.
Me: Oh okay. See you later.

Eric and I had different Dads. I've never met mine.
And his dad lives across town.
He has two rooms. One over here and one over there.

I went inside to an empty house.
Greg my other brother doesn't stay here. He's just a roamer. Floating everywhere. In and Out of Jail. He has anger problems. Actually he has rage issues. I'm praying for him.
My sister is married and lives in Houston. I miss her.

I go to my room and flip on the television. It's 9:50pm.
I go to the DVR Section. I never watch Live tv anymore like I did when I was a younger.
Survivor. Oh Yea it does come on Wednesday nights! I push play on it and forgot about Lamonte's text. I start thinking about when we first met again. For some reason I loved to ponder on this particular memory.


FLASHBACK

I couldn't really concentrate on reading his dialogue because I didn't want him to notice what I had doodled on that page.
My eyes kept jumping back and forth from his paper to mine.

Lamonte: So what you think?
Me: Yo, this is good bro! So let's rehearse our dialogues!
Lamonte: Hold up...wait where's the rest of yours?

He starts flipping through pages and I quickly snatch the notebook out of his hands.

Me: I-um..am still working on it bro.

He gave me a confused look.

Lamonte: Aight. Well...let's do it then!
Me: Do what?
Lamonte: [standing up looking down at me] Work on the dialogue? Haha! Bro you are a strange one!

He grabs his notebook and walks over by his tv and then faces me.
He starts reading some of his dialogue. Wow it is terrible!, but I told him that it was good. So I can't tell him it's bad now.

From there on we rehearsed all the way up until it was time to do our presentation. B+! I was stoked!

After class I headed to the last period of the day, which was tennis for me and Basketball for him.
He tapped me on the shoulder and walked with me outside the building to the school parking lot.

Lamonte: Hey man that was fun dawg.
Me: Yea it was. We had the whole class rollin!
Lamonte: We did yo! By the way, congrats on you winning State on both singles and doubles.

I was startled. He knew about me playing tennis? Wow I must be somewhat popular after all

Me: Oh thanks! I didn't know any black people that went to this school paid any attention to tennis.
Lamonte: Well most of them don't, but I was SportsCenter all the time and them Williams Sisters be rippin it up. So it kinda got me more interested in tennis. I actually wanna learn how to play it.
Me: Really?
Lamonte: Yea man.
Me: Well...I'm not a professional or anything, but I could teach you like the basics. It's not easy though.
Lamonte: It's not? It looks easy
Me: Yea because Serena makes it look that way.
Lamonte: Well alright, so you gon teach me?
Me: Sure! How about after we graduate I start giving you some lessons?
Lamonte: Bet.

We dapped and start walking towards our cars.

Lamonte: Oh and Dante...
Me: Yeah.
Lamonte: [pause] I do got it goin on! haha.

He started doing like an old skool dance and was chanting "ayye ayye"
I just laughed and got in my car.

-----

I looked at the text I got from Lamonte.

Lamonte9:31pm] Dante, hey I'm not gonna be able to play 2morrow morning.
Me10:07pm] Why not?

While I was waiting for a Response I got a call from an Unknown number.
It was an 800 number.
I usually don't answer those calls, but I've never gotten it on my phone.
So I answered.

Me: Hello.

...: This is a Prepaid collect call from Midground Detention Center from
"Shelley Harmon"---

[jrollaneres25]

Waiting to Inhale: Chapter 10




MOM! In Jail!!!!
Not Again!!!!

I accepted the call.

Mom: Hey Dante.
Me: [almost in tears] Why Mom?! Why!
Mom: I'm sorry, I just couldn't help it! I needed a fix! You'll never understand Son!
Me: What are we suppose to Do!?? Well, What am I suppose to do??
Mom: I don't know son. Call your Granny and see if you can stay with her.
I'm gonna be in here for a while. Make sure you put all my stuff in Storage.
Gotta Go Love you!
Me: Bye. [CLICK]

I was pissed. She did it again.
I don't understand what affect heroin has on the body and mind, but clearly she is losing this battle.
She's letting that win over us! Her Children!

Ugh! I really don't want to move again!

I looked at my phone and saw a text from Lamonte.

Lamonte: Cause Kianna is upset with me bro. I did something I shouldn't have, but she doesn't understand. Can u help me make it up to her?
Me: What do you mean? What's going on?
Lamonte: You see, her Birthday is coming up and I have been trying to plan a big surprise birthday party for her.....

RING RING!!

Me: Sup bro.
Lamonte: Listen, I'm a terrible liar bruh. So 2morrow I need to do something to make it up to her without giving the surprise away. What can I do?
Me: Man, sounds like a tough position. I mean, I can't even think straight right now bro. [My voice starts to quiver] I mean,...I just found out my moms in Jail and everything...and..

I bust out Crying.

Lamonte: Man Woah! You alright Dante?
Me: Not really bro! She's gonna be in there for a while and I really don't have anywhere to go...
Lamonte: Say, you can come over here and stay anytime. You wanna come now? Just don't cry on me bro. I can't stand it man. Everything is gonna be fine.
Me: [Wiping my eyes] I can come over there now? [breathing heavily]
Lamonte: Yea man, c'mon. You can talk to me bro. This must be tough for you and I'm your friend right?
Me: Yeah..[ clearing my throat]
Lamonte: Aight Let me know when you get here and I'll meet you outside. It's kinda late so I'll have to walk you in. My moms don't know and I know she'll trip.
Me: Aight. Thanks Bro.
Lamonte: No Prob [Click]

I sit for like 3 minutes.
I look at the clock. 11:13PM
I get up and start gathering clothes. Lamonte is....incredible.
I look down and notice that I was on hard. Damn.
I continue packing stuff. Dante stop trippin. Lamonte is straight and there will never be a chance.

I go to the car and put my things in the trunk.
I start the engine. And Drive off.
I let the windows down to feel the fresh night air.
I turn on some Brandy. "Long Distance"
I turn it up and just let my mind go.

FLASHBACK

Lamonte: Hey Dante!
Me: I do got it goin on! "aayyee"! "aayyeee"!

FAST FORWARD!

Wait a minute! Did he read what I had doodled on that page!??
Oh NO!! But....he didn't trip. Did he not get what I was talking about?
Clearly we are still friends. I'm confused. Should I ask him about it?
I mean, that was MONTHS AGO! I should. I shouldn't! I DUNNO!!!

RING RING!!!!

Unknown Number. Should I answer? Yes. I turn the music down.

Deacon Brown: [Yelling] YOU PUT YOUR LIPS ON MY SON!!!!
Me: Sir? Pardon?
Deacon Brown: DON'T YOU PARDON ME SON YOU HEARD WHAT I SAID! YOU PUT YOUR LIPS ON MY SON!!
Me: No Sir! No I did NOT!

I could hear Jarian in the background Screaming, "He Lying Dad! He Lying!"

Deacon: IF YOU EVER TOUCH MY SON AGAIN I'MMA COME AND FIND YOU YA HEAR!!!
Me: Deacon That's is a LIE! I Did Not Kiss Him! HE KISSED ME! I PROMISE!!
Deacon: [A little Calmer] You know I gotta shotgun right? You're not welcomed over here anymore! Don't make me have to use my shotgun!
Me: Sir I promise you Jarian is Lying! I did NOT Kiss him! HE KISSED ME!
Deacon: Listen, I can't talk to you right now. Me and my wife is upset. I want you to come up to the church on Saturday and I'mma have a talk with you AND Taruy ya hear me son!?
Me: Yes Sir! But listen--
Deacon: You make sure you're at that church or I'll know you're lying![CLICK]

I didn't notice that I had already pulled in Lamonte's parking lot and was sitting there with my voice raised.
Lamonte was just siting on his steps in his pajamas waiting patiently for me.
Did he hear? Man this is soo bad!
I turn my engine off and immediately he popped up and started walking towards my car.
I started to get a little anxious as my nerves were already on Edge.
He just kinda stood there and waited for me to step out of the car.
I opened the door and stood up.

Lamonte: You okay?
Me: [flustered] Naw bro..naw....I'm...this is...I mean...

He started walking towards me.

Me: I really don't even know what....[I took a deep breath because I could feel myself about to cry again]

He surprisingly grabbed my shoulder and started to massage it.

Lamonte: Look don't trip. Let's just go inside. It's been a rough night for you. Where's your bags?
Me: [Still fighting back tears] Oh umm.. In the trunk.

I reached down in the car to pop the trunk.
He walked over and opened it. Grabbed my bag.

Lamonte: Let's go Dante.

He is such a lifesaver right now. If I didn't have him I wouldn't know how I'd be acting right now.

I followed him into his house. All the lights were out, except for in his room. It was really quite.

Lamonte: [whispering] Don't talk loud aight?
Me: Okay.

We went upstairs to his room.
He put my bag in his closet and then he walked towards his door.
He closes it.

Lamonte: You alright?
Me: Now I am. Thank you man, this means a lot.
Lamonte: Listen you need to take you mind off what's going on right now.
You play N64?
Me: Oh yes! Was raised on it!
Lamonte: What game you wanna play?
I got 007 Goldeneye, MarioKart, Mortal Kombat, Killer Instinct, Mario Party, NBA 99, Mario Tennis--
Me: Wait, you know how to play Mario Tennis?
Lamonte: Man, none of my friends can beat me in this game! I got it on LOCK!
Me: Dude....I think You just met your match! [I start smiling big]
Lamonte: haha there you go! That smile See that's how I like to see you. No more crying bro aight? Unless you just gotta. Deal?
Me: Deal! Now you gotta promise me that you ain't gon start crying when I murder you in this here game.
Lamonte: Oh I promise. I promise you that it won't even come to that!
Me: Haha! okay well stop talking and let your gameplay do it from now on!

As he set the game up I couldn't help but to stare at him and think, this guy is so perfect.
I mean, he's a perfect friend, but I can't help but to like him more than that. Then I started thinking about how I felt he read my doodling.
Should I mention it? I should huh? I mean, I have to!
This will bother me if I don't

Lamonte: Here you want the blue controller or the red one? These are the best working ones.
Me: I'll take the red one. Red's my favorite color.
Lamonte: [Staring at me] Look at you tryna steal my favorite color!
Aight it's cool. I like blue too. Crypts Fo Lyfe! Naw I'm playin! haha

We both laughed.

Lamonte: Who do you usually get?
Me: Oh I play with Mario
Lamnote: Ha! My man is Donkey Kong. You Bout to get HANDLED!
Me: Mmhmmm....we shall see.

We started playing and he was good! But I am super competitive and I knew If I just focused, that he couldn't hold me.

5-5 All in the First set, broke his serve. He yelled and pushed me in the back not hard, but enough to show he was upset with that.

I held and won the First set 7-5. And finished him off in the Second set 6-3.

Me: Whew! That was tough!
Lamonte: Shut up!

I laughed Loud!

Lamonte: Good game though.
Me: You mean match?
Lamonte: Yeah match wateva. You know what I'm talking about.
Me: Mhmm.. haha!!

He stood up and looked at his bed.

Lamonte: Aight I'm headed to bed. You can keep playing if you want.
Me: Naw I don't like playing the CPU players. Too Predictable. I'mma go to bed too.

I didn't see a pallet laid out for me. Where was I gonna sleep?

Me: Hey you gotta pillow and a sheet or blanket or something?
Lamonte: For what? [as he was gettn under the covers]
Me: Well, where am I gonna sleep?
Lamonte: Oh, you can sleep in my bed. I ain't trippin bro. Just as long as you don't snore. Then you gotta sleep on the floor.
Me: Haha-funny. No I don't snore...not that I know of.

We laughed again. I was kinda reluctant to get in his bed.
I mean, it was a King-Size Bed. Okay, I thought. I took off my pants and put on some shorts.
I left my undershirt on. I usually just sleep in my undies. But I'm not in my bed and I'm trying to be respectful.
I climbed in the bed and faced away from him and laid on my side.

Lamonte: Aight Bro goodnight.

He turned over.

Lamonte: I gotta long day ahead of me...or shall I say We?

Man this is my opportunity to ask him.

Me: Hey Lamonte?
Lamonte: Yeah [he said facing the other way]
Me: Can I ask you something?
Lamonte: [he turned to face me] Sure man.

Here we Go!

[Bieselke]

Not bad, I would mind the English sometimes (not the street language but keep it consistent through out then coo/cool and there was atleast one you're/your mistake)

Also the prepared dialogue between Lamonte and the main character was supposed to be romantic, why is it described later on as hilarious and classmates rollin?

But all in all, curious to read a next part